Share

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

Today is Monday, April 29, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

In Rick Orlov's Tipoff column, the mayoral candidates get some advice and campaigns for medical marijuana ballot measures kick into high gear.

Now that the Los Angeles Police Department has reached the 10,000-officer benchmark, some in City Hall are questioning whether the cost of public safety outweighs the benefits of other city services, reports the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think it's sensible to say that we cannot cut the Police Department by even one position," said county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who first proposed the 10,000 number in 1989 when he was a city councilman.

The Daliy News looks at how differently Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti mix family and politics. "With the election three weeks away, voters can expect more mailers, TV spots, and emphasis on the personal lives of the candidates," according to the newspaper.

Is a mailer sent by Emily's List on Wendy Greuel's behalf sexist? What about a YouTube video that likens Greuel to Leona Helmsley and the Wicked Witch of the West? The LA Weekly looks at the allegations.

The Los Angeles Times endorsed Eric Garcetti for mayor. "Neither candidate is ready, but (Wendy) Greuel seems like a completed project that falls short of what's needed, while Garcetti comes off as a creative work in progress with potential to meet the challenge," according to the editorial page.

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.